Kite flying politics lacks decision making

Once upon a time, a very long time ago, decisions of government were made by the political party which had been entrusted with the electorates confidence, to lead and progress our country.

The two major political parties once stood for a range of different ideals and beliefs, which gave the voters a clear choice when electing a new government for the next term.

Each were given varying periods of government, which was determined by their ability to make decisions and introduce policies which reflected their parties ideology.

If we, the voters, did not agree with how they were managing the country, it was a simple matter of transferring our vote to a party which we believed would deliver better government, at the next election.

Today's politicians and major parties are extremely hard to differentiate, as they have adopted similar ideals and beliefs in order to attract "middle ground voters", and decided not to continue with their long held beliefs.

Today's ideologies and party platforms are based on three methods: Pass the Pub Test, Hairdresser Hints and Taxi Driver Tips.

The information gained from these highly reliable sources determines the direction of the government/opposition and the decisions/policies which are finally made/promoted.

They also resort to that old fashioned pastime, kite flying.

They float an idea and if the ‘squeaky wheels’ don't like it, it sinks like a lead balloon - never heard of again.

Take the current discussion about accessing your super to purchase a home as evidence of this.

With all the hot air currently emanating from Canberra, is it any wonder that the sky is filled with kites and Australia is stagnating through a lack of decisive decision making?

IAN MACGOWAN

Ceduna

Good Friday quietness welcome

Last week, some (Fairfax) newspapers carried an article about “how Good Friday in Australia compares to the rest of the world”.

Saying that, “Good Friday just got slightly more lively in Australia”…referring to the (yawn) AFL football match.

What could be more un-lively than large sweaty men brawling for possession of a ball?

And that, “still the quietest day of the year…Good Friday is no big deal”.

Incorrect. Quietness is a very big deal – a scarce commodity, worth cherishing where it survives.

Quiet minds become full of thoughts – about life, about purpose, about meaning, about God…